Words of Wisdom by Marc Woolford

..i will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart; yet i will endure sadness for it opens my soul. i will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet i will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge …Marc Woolford

what lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us … Marc Woolford

On Time, With Purpose

I received a wonderful massage yesterday and after in our conversation as we closed the session my therapist and friend said to me, “on time, on purpose, with purpose”.  I don’t recall what I said first and I didn’t catch what she said at first so I had her repeat it.  When she did I thought how fitting, how simple, how true and how profound.  For me it requires trust to know that regardless of my time table or whether I am late, early or on time, I am on time.  It is also a reminder to live on and with purpose.  The Oxford American Dictionary defines purpose as a thing intended, the intention to act, reason for which something is done or made.  So the affirmation my friend stated implies that one acts on and with intention, with meaning, with good reason.

To go deeper one really needs to examine what their intentions are and what actions followed.  I have been focusing a lot on my intentions and where they originate.  As I reflect inward I wonder are they born from a place of honesty, love, integrity and meant for good or were my intentions and actions directed from a selfish, defensive, unloving place?  I do my best to answer these questions honestly.  It’s not easy and at times it’s humbling.

To move forward, to be the best version of ourselves, we must be willing to take an honest look at all aspects of ourselves.  To see what works and to change what doesn’t.  To acknowledge when we have hurt another person or ourselves and be willing to make wrongs right.  To look at the bigger picture, from all perspectives, and then act with compassion.  Again not always easy, but I think worth it.  If understanding ourselves and our actions better leads to loving intentions and actions in which we treat everyone with love and respect, what are we waiting for?

5 Healthy Habits in Pregnancy

1. Drink Plenty of Water- It is possible to drink too much water. How do you know? When you are thirsty, choose water, and keep it simple. Too little may cause dehydration, headaches and muscle cramps.

2. Breath- Find time in your day to notice your breath. In the shower, at red lights, waiting in line, in times of emotional discomfort or when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Follow your breath. Inhale (through your nose) into your belly, out into your rib cage and up into your shoulders. Exhale from your mouth effortlessly.

3. Move Your Body-Walking, swimming and yoga are ideal exercises during pregnancy. Be sure to talk with your doctor or midwife before starting any new exercise routine.

4. Take Time For Yourself-Growing a baby takes energy! Find ways, you love and enjoy, to replenish your energy reserves and renew your spirit.

5. Listen to Your Body-Be present in your body to physical sensation and to your inner thoughts and intuition. Within us is an innate inner wisdom, let it guide you. Yoga can help, when we practice yoga we grow a deeper connection with every aspect of ourselves and learn to listen to our body.